Celluloid Psychosis: Episode 40 - Donato & Daughter (1993)

This week on Celluloid Psychosis, TJ and Paul explore the 1993 crime thriller Donato & Daughter (also known as Dead to Rights), directed by Rod Holcomb. The film stars Charles Bronson as Mike Donato, a seasoned cop with a troubled past, and Dana Delaney as his estranged daughter Dalena, who also works in law enforcement. When a serial killer begins targeting nuns, the estranged father and daughter must put aside their differences and team up to stop the madman terrorizing their city. The hosts dig into the tense dynamic between the central characters, focusing on the emotional complexity of a father and daughter with a fractured relationship, forced to reconnect in the face of danger. They also highlight the stellar supporting cast, including Xander Berkeley, Jenette Goldstein, and Marc Alaimo, who bring their own depth to the crime thriller. Tune in as TJ and Paul discuss the film's unique blend of family drama and police procedural, Charles Bronson’s commanding performance, and how Donato & Daughter offers a distinct take on the classic crime genre. They’ll also dive into its overlooked legacy, how it fits into the 90s action landscape, and why this underappreciated gem deserves a second look.